Adapter

ABSTRACT

An adapter configured to allow interconnection of a device input connector (DIC) having a first connector configuration and an consumable end connector (CEC) having a second connector configuration, the adapter including a first end having a first connector mateable with the DIC, a second end configured to receive at least part of the CEC, a locking mechanism configured to lock the CEC to the adapter, and a release mechanism configured to release the CEC from the adapter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/995,338 filed Jan. 14, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,420,925, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/105,236 filed Jan.20, 2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of adapters andconnectors for interconnection of a consumable to a medical device.

BACKGROUND

Luer Taper is a standardized system of small-scale fluid fittings usedfor making leak-free connections between a female-taper fitting and itsmating male part on medical and laboratory instrument. Key features ofLuer connectors are defined in the ISO 594 standards.

The standard Luers are currently being used universally in most medicaldevice categories and applications. However, with the proliferation ofmedical devices fitted with Luer connectors, and the reports of patientdeath or injury arising from misconnections, a new ISO standard, 80369-1requiring different connectors for different categories of medicaldevices, has been developed.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure, in some embodiments thereof, relate toadaptable consumables having an alterable connector configurationconfigured to enable connections to sockets of the old standard (ISO594) as well as to sockets of the new standard (ISO 80369).

Such adapters may be of particular benefit for connectors used in thefield of breath monitoring, in which the transition period from the oldto the new standard is prolonged. This is due to the fact that theconnectors are found on medical devices and systems that have an averageshelf life of several years and, as such, present a major barrier to thechangeover since the socket of devices using the old ISO 594 standardwill continue to exist and be used for many years after the new standardhas been launched. Returning the medical devices to the manufacturer inorder to change the device connector is both expensive, time consumingand in some cases even infeasible due to the anticipated new, larger,required dimensions of the connector.

One type of adapter could be adapters configured to interconnect ISO 594Luer device connectors (also referred to herein as sockets) withconnectors conforming with the new ISO 80369 standard. The adapter maythus have a male luer of the ISO 594 connector at one end thereof and amale ISO 80369 connector on its opposing end. This would enableconnection between breath sampling devices having a female luer of theISO 594 configuration with a consumable used for sampling the patient'sbreath, ending with a female ISO 80369 connector.

However, such adapters would, basically, negate the entire reason forwhich the new standard has been developed, i.e. to reduce the risk ofmisconnections between different types of medical equipment. However, ifan adapter is not developed, the result may be even more severe; thehospital (or other end user) would need to stock sampling consumableswith both configurations of connectors in order to accommodate both thedevices having sockets according to the old standard and devices thathave been reconfigured to address the new standard. It is easy toenvisage the imminent havoc in an emergency situation when a user triesto connect between a consumable that does not match the device intendedfor its use.

Advantageously, the adapters disclosed herein are configured to reducethe risk of misconnections while addressing the medical needs during theanticipated, inevitable long transition phase.

The adapter disclosed herein is configured to be reversibly locked to aconnector of a consumable, thereby generating a consumable having adouble configuration connector with an advantageous inherent ability toalter its connector configuration (ISO 594 or ISO 80369) by performing aminimal and simple manual action, which does not require an expert or atechnician. For example, during the first few years of the transferperiod, the consumable may have a double configuration connector readyfor connection to a medical device having an ISO 594 socket (themajority of devices in field), and which upon exerting the simple manualaction exposes a new ISO 80369 connector, enabling it to connect tomedical devices which have already had their connector bases exchanged.When the number of devices with the new ISO 80369 socket becomes moreabundant, the consumable may have a double configuration connector readyfor connection with a medical device having an ISO 80369 socket, andwhich, upon exerting the simple manual action, exposes the old ISO 594connector. Finally, when most devices have the new ISO 80369 socket,consumables having a single configuration connector of the new ISO 80369standard only may be utilized.

Advantageously, the double configuration connector may include elementsor features which enable a simple identification and/or differentiatingbetween the configuration used for medical devices having a socketaccording to the old standard and the configuration used for devicesthat have incorporated the new ISO 80369 sockets.

Importantly, connecting the double configuration connector whileutilizing the ISO 594 connector configuration (for connection to amedical device with an ISO 594 socket), does not cause the new ISO 80369configuration connector to be exposed (i.e. the action of screwing inthe ISO 594 connector from the device does not cause the minimal manualaction required for changing the connector configuration). Similarly,disconnecting the double configuration connector using the ISO 594connector configuration from the medical device, does not cause the newISO 80369 configuration connector to be exposed and thus the ISO 594connector section to remain connected to the medical device (i.e. theaction of unscrewing the ISO 594 connector from the device does notcause the minimal manual action used for changing the connectorconfiguration and/or for separation of the adapter from the connector).This is of outmost importance since if disconnection of the doubleconfiguration connector would leave the adapter connected to the medicaldevice, it would prevent connection of a new double configurationconnector ready for connection to an ISO 594 socket. Furthermore, thedouble configuration connector may include means configured to activatethe medical device to which it is connected, leaving the adapterconnected to the medical device, would thus cause continuous operationof the medical device even when no consumable or patient are connected,and would, as a consequence thereof, result in unnecessary and evendetrimental operation of the device, reducing the lifetime thereof.

Advantageously, the double configuration connector disclosed herein isconfigured to ensure that once the manual action required for exposingthe ISO 80369 connector configuration has been performed, and the ISO594 connector part (the adapter) has been separated therefrom,reconnection of an ISO 80369 connector to the adapter is impossible.This is of outmost importance in that reuse of the adapter or partsthereof would enable to build up a collection of adapters facilitatingmating between any ISO 594 connector with a connector of the new ISO80369 standard, hence rendering the new standard useless.

Similarly, when most devices have the new ISO 80369 socket, consumableshaving a single configuration connector may be utilized. Beneficially,the present disclosure provides single configuration ISO 80369connectors having a minor configuration change rendering themincompatible with the adapter, without hampering their compliance withthe requirements of the ISO 80369 standard.

According to some embodiments, there is provided an adapter for use in arespiratory gas sampling and/or delivery tubing system, the adapterconfigured to allow interconnection of a device input connector (DIC)having a first connector configuration and a tube end connector (CEC)having a second connector configuration.

According to some embodiments, the adapter may include a first endhaving a first connector mateable with said DIC; a second end configuredto receive at least part of the CEC; and a locking/release mechanismconfigured to lock/release the CEC to/from the adapter.

According to some embodiments, the locking/release mechanism may beconfigured to prevent connection of the first connector to the DIC fromreleasing the CEC from the adaptor. Additionally or alternatively, thelocking/release mechanism may be configured to prevent disconnection ofthe first connector from the DIC from releasing the CEC from theadaptor.

According to some embodiments, the adapter may include a secondary coneformed within a void of the adapter, the secondary cone configured tomate with a secondary cone formed within a void of the CEC, therebyforming an airtight passageway throughout the adapter and the CEC.

According to some embodiments, the adapter may be non-reusable afteractivation of said release mechanism. According to some embodiments, theadaptor may include at least one feature rendering it incompatible witha new CEC.

According to some embodiments, the second end of the adapter may includeat least one slot configured to slidingly receive a wing of the CEC.

According to some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a hookconfigured to hook onto a thread located on an outer surface of the CEC.According to some embodiments, outward displacement of the hook from thethread may release the CEC from the adapter.

According to some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include atleast one latch configured to hook onto the CEC. According to someembodiments, the latch may be configured to hook onto a thread locatedon an outer wall of the CEC. According to some embodiments, the latchmay include a protrusion in an inner wall thereof. According to someembodiments, the protrusion may be configured to be received within anotch formed within the thread. According to some embodiments, liftingof the latch by the thread when the CEC is twisted in acounter-clockwise direction relative to the adapter may release the CECfrom the adapter. According to some embodiments, the latch may includean opening configured to receive a bulge located on an outer wall of theCEC. According to some embodiments, lifting the latch frees the bulgefrom the opening, thereby enabling release of the CEC from the adapter.

According to some embodiments, the adapter may include a threadmechanism allowing the CEC to be screwed into the adapter. According tosome embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a locker configuredto lock the CEC to the adapter after the CEC has been screwed into theadapter. According to some embodiments, the locker may include aprotrusion in an inner wall thereof, the protrusion configured to bereceived within an opening or an indentation in an outer wall of theadapter, thereby preventing the CEC from being unscrewed from theadapter. According to some embodiments, breaking off the locker enablesunscrewing the CEC from the adapter. According to some embodiments, thelocker may further include an extension configured to engage with theCEC. According to some embodiments, the extension may be configured toengage with at least one wing of the CEC. According to some embodiments,the extension may include a rail in an inner wall thereof, the railconfigured to match with at least one protruding section formed on anouter wall of the CEC. According to some embodiments, the locker mayinclude at least two asymmetrical indentations in an inner wall thereof,the at least two asymmetrical indentations configured to mate withasymmetrical threads positioned on an outer wall of the CEC, therebypreventing the CEC to be unscrewed from the adapter.

According to some embodiments, the adapter may include a feature visiblydistinguishing the adapter from the CEC.

According to some embodiments, the adapter may include a tubinginterconnecting (and spacing) between the first end and the second endof said adapter. According to some embodiments, the tubing may beconfigured to allow undisturbed gas flow from the CEC, through thetubing to the DIC. According to some embodiments, the tubing may be aflexible tubing.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a double configurationconnector for use in a respiratory gas sampling and/or delivery tubingsystem, the double configuration connector including an adapter having afirst end and a second end. The first end of the adapter includes afirst connector having a first connector configuration; a consumable endconnector (CEC) having a second connector configuration; the CEC beinglocked to the second end of the adapter, the double configurationconnector thereby being of a first connector configuration exposing thefirst connector and configured for connection to a first device inputconnector (DIC) having a connector configuration mateable with the firstconnector configuration. The double configuration connector furtherincludes a release mechanism configured to release the CEC from theadapter, thereby changing the connector configuration of the doubleconfiguration connector into a second connector configuration, thesecond connector configuration exposing the CEC, and configured forconnection to a second DIC having a connector configuration mateablewith the second connector configuration.

According to some embodiments, the release mechanism is prevented frombeing activated by connection and/or disconnection of the firstconnector to and/or from the first DIC.

According to some embodiments, the double configuration connector may benon-reusable after activation of the release mechanism.

According to some embodiments, the second end of the adapter may includeat least one slot, wherein a wing positioned on the CEC is receivedwithin the slot.

According to some embodiments, the second end of the adapter may includea hook hooked onto a thread, the thread located on an outer surface ofthe CEC. According to some embodiments, the release mechanism mayinclude an outward displacement of the hook from the thread, therebyenabling the release of the CEC from the adapter.

According to some embodiments, the adapter may include at least onelatch hooked onto the CEC. According to some embodiments, the latch maybe hooked onto a thread located on an outer wall of the CEC. Accordingto some embodiments, the release mechanism may include a lifting of thelatch by the thread due to an anti-clockwise twist of the CEC, therebyenabling release of the CEC from the adapter. According to someembodiments, the latch may have an opening hooked onto a bulge locatedon an outer wall of the CEC. According to some embodiments, the releasemechanism may include lifting the latch, thereby freeing the bulge fromthe opening and enabling release of the CEC from the adapter.

According to some embodiments, the adapter may include a threadmechanism upon which the CEC may be screwed into the adapter. Accordingto some embodiments, the adapter may include a locker extending aroundat least part of the adapter, thereby locking the CEC to said adapter.According to some embodiments, the release mechanism may includebreaking of the locker, thereby enabling unscrewing the CEC from theadapter. According to some embodiments, the locker further may includean extension engaging with the CEC. According to some embodiments, theextension may engage with at least one wing of the CEC. According tosome embodiments, the extension may include a rail in an inner wallthereof, the rail configured to match with a protruding sectionpositioned on an outer wall of the CEC.

According to some embodiments, the locker may include at least twoasymmetrical indentations in an inner wall thereof, the at least twoasymmetrical indentations configured to mate with asymmetrical threadspositioned on an outer wall of the CEC, thereby preventing the CEC frombeing unscrewed from the adapter.

According to some embodiments, the adapter may include a first secondarycone formed within a void of the adapter and the CEC may include asecond secondary cone formed within a void of the CEC, wherein the firstand second secondary cones are configured to mate, thereby forming anair tight passageway throughout the adapter and the CEC.

According to some embodiments, the adapter may include a feature visiblydistinguishing the adapter from the CEC, such that the firstconfiguration of the double configuration connector is visibly distinctfrom a second configuration of the double configuration connector.

According to some embodiments, the adapter may include a tubinginterconnecting (and spacing) between the first end and the second endof said adapter. According to some embodiments, the tubing may beconfigured to allow undisturbed gas flow from the CEC, through thetubing to the DIC. According to some embodiments, the tubing may be aflexible tubing.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a connector for use ina respiratory gas sampling and/or delivery tubing system, the connectorincluding a thread on an outer wall thereof; at least one wing allowinggripping the connector by a user; a first connector configurationmateable with a first device input connector (DIC); and at least oneelement configured to render the connector capable of connecting to anadapter, wherein connection of the connector to the adapter provides asecond connector configuration to the connector, the second connectorconfiguration mateable with a second device input connector (DIC).

According to some embodiments, the at least one element may include aposition of the wings relative to a distal end of the connector.Additionally or alternatively, the at least one element may include awidth of the wings. Additionally or alternatively, the at least oneelement may include a notch within the thread of the connector.Additionally or alternatively, the at least one element may include aprotruding section on an outer wall of the connector a geometricalconfiguration of said thread, a bulge on an outer wall thereof, or anycombination thereof. Additionally or alternatively the at least oneelement may include a secondary cone formed within a void of theconnector.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include some, all, ornone of the above advantages. One or more technical advantages may bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art from the figures,descriptions and claims included herein. Moreover, while specificadvantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may includeall, some or none of the enumerated advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with referenceto the accompanying figures. The description, together with the figures,makes apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art how someembodiments of the disclosure may be practiced. The figures are for thepurpose of illustrative discussion and no attempt is made to showstructural details of an embodiment in more detail than is necessary fora fundamental understanding of the teachings of the disclosure. For thesake of clarity, some objects depicted in the figures are not to scale.

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B show perspective views of an adapter before andafter connection to a consumable end connector (CEC) and a device inputconnector (DIC), according to some embodiments;

FIG. 1C shows a cross section of the adapter connected to a CEC and aDIC, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show perspective views of an adapter before andafter connection to a CEC and a DIC, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2C shows a cross section of an adapter connected to a CEC and aDIC, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show perspective views of an adapter before andafter connection to a CEC and a DIC, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3C shows a cross section of an adapter connected to a CEC and aDIC, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B show perspective views of an adapter before andafter connection to a CEC, respectively, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show perspective views of an adapter before andafter connection to a CEC, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5C shows a front view of an adapter, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5D shows a cross section of an adapter connected to a CEC and aDIC, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of an adapter, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C show bird and side perspective views, respectively,of an adapter connected to a CEC, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6D shows a cross section of an adapter connected to a CEC,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of an adapter, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 7B shows a perspective view, of an adapter connected to a CEC,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of CECs, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of CECs, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of CECs, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, various aspects of the disclosure will bedescribed. For the purpose of explanation, specific configurations anddetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe different aspects of the disclosure. It is understood that whereassome configurations are presented in separate embodiments, combinationsof embodiments or parts thereof may also be envisaged and, as such, fallwithin the scope of the disclosure. Similarly, it will also be apparentto one skilled in the art that the disclosure may be practiced withoutspecific details being presented herein. Furthermore, well-knownfeatures may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure thedisclosure.

There is provided, according to some embodiments, an adapter for use m arespiratory gas sampling and/or delivery tubing system, the adapterconfigured to allow interconnection of a device input connector (DIC)having a first connector configuration and a consumable end connector(CEC) having a second connector configuration.

As used herein, the terms “device input connector”, “DIC” and “socket”may be used interchangeably and may refer to a connector permanentlyfixed within a connector panel of a medical device (e.g. a capnograph)and allowing connection of a consumable (e.g. a sampling tube) having amateable consumable connector. According to some embodiments, the DICmay have a connector configuration according to the ISO-594 standard,also referred to herein as the old standard. According to someembodiments, the DIC may have a connector configuration according to theISO-80369 standard, also referred to herein as the new standard.According to some embodiments, the DIC may be a male connector.According to some embodiments, the DIC may be a female connector.

As used herein, the terms “consumable end connector” and “CEC” may beused interchangeably and may refer to a connector permanently fixed toor molded on a consumable such as, but not limited to, a breath samplingtube. According to some embodiments, the CEC may be a primary femaleconnector having a form of a tapered cone. According to someembodiments, at its deepest point, the tapered cone may invert back intoa secondary male section and return into a void of the primary femaleconnector. According to some embodiments, the secondary male section(also referred to herein as a secondary cone) may include an outer walland an inner wall, the inner wall being non-tapered, thereby forming aninner fluid flow channel, of a diameter d1, extending along thesecondary male section and along the female connector. According to someembodiments, the inner fluid flow channel diameter d1 may be constantthroughout the primary male connector and the primary female connector.According to some embodiments, the CEC may be a male connector.According to some embodiments, the CEC may be a female connector.

According to some embodiments, the CEC may have a connectorconfiguration according to the ISO 80369 standard and mateable with aDIC of the ISO 80369 standard. According to some embodiments, the CECmay include one or more threads configured to allow the CEC to bescrewed and/or twisted into and thus firmly attached to the ISO 80369DIC. According to some embodiments, the CEC may include one or morewings configured to allow a firm grip by a user and hence enable theuser to easily twist and/or screw the CEC into the DIC.

As used herein, the term “connector configuration” may refer tofeatures, such as, but not limited to, size and shape of a connector.According to some embodiments, the connector configuration may providethe connector with its unique mating capabilities.

According to some embodiments, the adapter may include a first endincluding a first connector mateable with the DIC and a second endconfigured to receive at least part of the CEC. According to someembodiments, the first connector may be a male connector. According tosome embodiments, the first connector may be a female connector. As usedherein, the term “first end” refers to the end of the adapterconnectable to a DIC and is also referred to herein as the“adapter-device end” and “A2D”. As used herein, the term “second end”refers to the end of the adapter connectable to a CEC and is alsoreferred to herein as the “adapter-consumable end” and “A2C”. Accordingto some embodiments, the CEC may be configured to be insertedessentially in its entirety within the adapter. According to someembodiments, only part of the CEC may be inserted within the adapter.According to some embodiments, the CEC may be connected to the adapterby sliding axially into the adapter. According to some embodiments, theCEC may be connected to the adapter by turning and/or twisting the CECinto the adapter. According to some embodiments, the CEC may beconnected to the adapter by screwing the CEC into the adapter.

According to some embodiments, the first end (A2D) and the second end(A2C) may be interconnected by a short piece of tubing. According tosome embodiments, the tubing may be configured to allow undisturbed gasflow from the CEC, through the tubing to the DIC. According to someembodiments, the tubing may be a flexible tubing.

According to some embodiments, the first connector may include meansensuring activation of the device (e.g. capnograph) when connectedthereto. Additionally or alternatively. The CEC may include meansensuring activation of the device (e.g. capnograph) only when the CEC isconnected to the device either directly, or through the adapter.According to some embodiments, the CEC (and/or the adapter) may include,on an end face thereof, at least two spectrally distinct reflectiveregions, each region configured to reflect light at a differentwavelength when illuminated. According to some embodiments, activationof the medical device may be conditioned on identification of thereflected light. According to some embodiments, the CEC (and/or theadapter) may include a conductive material enabling it to close anelectrical circuit, leading to the activation of the medical device,when the CEC and/or the adaptor to which it is connected is adequatelyconnected to a device socket. According to some embodiments, thesecondary male section of the female CEC may be made of a conductivematerial.

According to some embodiments, the adapter may include a lockingmechanism configured to lock the CEC to the adapter. As used herein, theterm “locking mechanism” may refer to any mechanism capable of attachingthe CEC to the adapter, such that the CEC-adapter assembly acts as asingle unit when handled, for example, when connecting and/ordisconnecting the assembly to a DIC having a connector configurationmateable with that of the connector positioned at the first end of theadapter. According to some embodiments, the locking mechanism may beconfigured to reversibly lock the CEC to the adapter.

According to some embodiments, the adapter may include a releasemechanism configured to release the CEC from the adapter, when needed.As used herein, the term “release mechanism” may refer to a mechanismconfigured to separate the CEC from the adapter, while leaving at leastthe CEC in its entirety. According to some embodiments, releasing theCEC from the adapter may expose the connector configuration of the CEC,thereby enabling the CEC to connect to a DIC having a connectorconfiguration mateable with the connector configuration of the CEC (e.g.an ISO 80369 connector). According to some embodiments, the CEC may bereleased from the adapter by performing a minimal and simple manualaction, not requiring an expert or technician, as further describedherein.

According to some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be configuredto prevent connection of the first connector to the DIC from activatingthe release mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, the lockingmechanism may be configured to prevent disconnection of the firstconnector from the DIC from activating the release mechanism. That is,the action of screwing in the first connector (the ISO 594 connector ofthe adapter) into the socket of the device does not cause the minimalmanual action used to release the CEC from the adapter and/or forchanging the connector configuration from an ISO 594 connector to anISO-80369 connector. Similarly, the action of unscrewing in the firstconnector (the ISO 594 connector of the adapter) from the socket of thedevice does not cause the minimal manual action used to release the CECfrom the adapter and/or for changing the connector configuration from anISO 594 connector to an ISO-80369 connector.

According to some embodiments, the connection between the adapter andthe CEC may be air tight, thereby essentially preventing or at leastconsiderably inhibiting breath samples, flowing through the CEC-adapterassembly, from leaking out thereof. According to some embodiments, anaccurate position of the CEC relative to the adapter may provide anairtight adapter/CEC assembly. According to some embodiments, thetolerance between the mating parts of the adapter and the CEC may beminimal, so as provide an airtight mating.

According to some embodiments, the adapter may include a secondary coneformed within a void of the adapter, as essentially described herein.According to some embodiments, the CEC may include a secondary coneformed within a void of the adapter. According to some embodiments, thesecondary cone of the adapter may mate with the secondary cone of theCEC, thereby forming an airtight passageway throughout the adapter andthe second connector. According to some embodiments, the secondary conemay form an inner fluid flow channel, of a diameter d2, extending alongthe adapter. According to some embodiments, the inner fluid flow channeldiameter d2 may be constant throughout the adapter. According to someembodiments, the inner fluid flow channel diameter d1 may be identicalto the diameter d1 of the inner fluid flow channel of the CEC.

According to some embodiments, the adapter, the connector and/or thesecondary cone(s) may include additional parts configured to provideairtight mating, such as, but not limited to, an O-ring. According tosome embodiments, the adapter may be made from a softer, semi-flexiblematerial for sealing purposes.

According to some embodiments, the adapter may be provided assembled toa CEC, thereby effectively functioning as a double configurationconnector. Such double configuration connector enables a user, such as,for example, a hospital, to purchase a consumable connected, through itsCEC, to the adapter, and thus being instantly configured to connect to aDIC having a first connector configuration (e.g. according to the ISO594 standard). Due to the release mechanism, the double configurationconnector, and thus the consumable, has an inherent ability to changeits connector configurations (e.g. according to the ISO 80369 standard)by performing a minimal and simple manual action, not requiring anexpert or technician. Hence, the hospital (or other end user) is notrequired to stock two types of consumables, i.e. one having a connectormateable with a DIC having a first connector configuration (e.g. ISO594) and one having a connector mateable with a DIC having a secondconnector configuration (e.g. ISO 80369).

Alternatively, the adapter may be fixed to the medical device throughthe ISO 594 connector and subsequently allow connection of disposableshaving an ISO 80369 connector. The device adapter may include featuresconfigured to ensure adequate connection of the disposable having an ISO80369 connector. The device adapter may further include featuresensuring that once the consumable is connected to the adapter,disconnecting the consumable disconnects the adapter from the medicaldevice. This ensures that the same adapter will not add any benefit forfurther use, and will not provide a means in the future for matingbetween any ISO 594 configuration connector and one with the new ISO80369 configuration connector, hence rendering it useless.

According to some embodiments, the adapter may be non-reusable afteractivation of the release mechanism. According to some embodiments, theadapter may include at least one feature rendering it incompatible witha new CEC having a second connector configuration (e.g. ISO 80369). Thismay be required in order not to build up a collection of adapters thatnegate the reason for creating the new standard, i.e. to reduce risk.

According to some embodiments, the adapter and/or the CEC, or partsthereof, may include a feature visibly distinguishing the adapter fromthe CEC. As a non-limiting example, the adapter may be colored in afirst color (for example the same color as used for the old ISO 594standard connector), while the CEC connected to the adapter and having aconnector configuration according to the ISO 80369 standard, will have adifferent color. According to some embodiments, the distinguishingfeature of the CEC (e.g. its color) may be invisible when the CEC isconnected to and/or within the adapter. According to some embodiments,the distinguishing feature of the CEC (e.g. its color) may beexposed/revealed upon release of the CEC from the adapter.

According to some embodiments, the second end of said adapter mayinclude at least one slot configured to slidingly receive a wing of theCEC. According to some embodiments, the adapter may include two or moreslots, positioned such as to enable two or more wings on the CEC toaxially slide into the slots, i.e. without being screwed and or twisted.According to some embodiments, the width of the slot(s) may bepredetermined so as only to allow a CEC with wings with a width at orbelow the width of the slots to slide into the slots. Similarly,according to some embodiments, the width of the slot(s) may bepredetermined so as only to allow a CEC with wings above a predeterminedwidth to be retained within the slots. According to some embodiments,the length of the slots may be so that the CEC having its wingspositioned at a predetermined distance from the distal end of the CEC,may slide into the adapter and be connected thereto. According to someembodiments, the shape of the slot(s) may be such that only a CEC withwings having a shape fitting the slots, slide therein. According to someembodiments, the plane of the slots on the connector may be such thatthe CEC can only be connected if its wings are in the same plane as theslots. According to some embodiments, the orientation of the slots maybe such that the CEC can only be connected if its wings have a sameorientation. It is thus understood that the wings can have a size, aposition relative to the distal end of the CEC, or an orientationrendering it uniquely compatible with the adapter. Furthermore, if theCEC has more than two wings, their orientation at any given anglerelative to each other may serve as a feature ensuring a uniqueadapter-CEC assembly.

According to some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include one ormore hooks configured to hook onto the thread located on an outersurface of the CEC. According to some embodiments, the hook may hookonto the thread from a distal side thereof, i.e. from the side of thethread close to the distal end of the connector (i.e. the end of theconnector furthest away from the consumable). According to someembodiments, the hook may hook onto the thread from a proximal sidethereof, i.e. from the side of the thread further away from the distalend of the connector. According to some embodiments, the one or morehooks can be displaced outwards when sliding the CEC into the adapter.According to some embodiments, the one or more hooks can hook onto theCEC after the thread of the CEC has passed the hook. Itis thusunderstood that although the CEC includes a female side (of the ISO80369 standard) with threads, and will thread accordingly with acompliant male configuration of the same standard, it does not use thethread in order to mate with the adapter. Instead, the CEC slides inaxially, with no turning motion into the second end of the adapter,until the hook has hooked on to secure the CEC thread. Upon connectionof the CEC to the adapter, the user may grip the wings to turn the firstend of the adapter (the A2D end) into the device. Since the wings arelodged within the slots, the CEC-adapter assembly may act as a singleunit. Similarly, the CEC-adapter assembly may be disconnected from theDIC by gripping the wings, lifting the hook and pulling out theassembly. Since the wings are locked within the slots, the assemblyworks as a single unit and disconnects from the device.

According to some embodiments, the release mechanism may include anoutward displacement of the hook from the thread, thereby enablingpulling out the CEC from the adapter. Thus, if the user (e.g. thehospital) uses medical devices, such as a capnograph having a DICcompatible with the ISO 80369 standard, then the user may lift the hook,and remove the CEC from the adapter (with the ISO 594 standardconnector) by gripping the wings. Since the CEC is in accordance withthe ISO 80369 standard it will fit the ISO 80369 DIC.

According to some embodiments, when there will be sufficient devices inthe field having an ISO 80369 standard DIC, then consumables having anISO 80369 standard CEC may be provided without being connected to theadapter, i.e. a consumable with a single configuration connector.Importantly, the single configuration connector may have a differentnumber of wings or having the wings positioned differently, so thatwhile being in compliance with the ISO 80369 standard, they may not fitthe adapter.

According to some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include atleast one latch, configured to latch onto the thread of the CEC.According to some embodiments, at least part of the latch may include afirst segment and a second segment. According to some embodiments, thefirst and second segments may be upper and lower segments. According tothis embodiment, the CEC may be connected to the second end of theadapter by sliding into the adapter, rather than by means of twistingand/or screwing the threads against an opposing compatible thread on theadapter.

According to some embodiments, the latch may include a protrusion in aninner wall thereof, the protrusion may be configured to be receivedwithin a notch formed within a thread of the CEC. Thus, in order toaccept the CEC, as well as to align correctly between the two matingparts, the notch set within the CEC thread length may receive theprotrusion formed in the locking mechanism of the adapter, therebyacting as a lock and key mechanism (without negating compliance with theISO 80369 standard).

Upon connection of the CEC to the adapter, the user may grip the wingsto screw the first end of the adapter (the A2D end) into the device.Since the latch hooks onto the CEC threads, the CEC-adapter assembly mayact as a single unit. Similarly, the CEC-adapter assembly may bedisconnected from the DIC by gripping the wings, and screwing or pullingout the assembly. Since the latch is hooked on to the CEC threads, theassembly disconnects from the device as a single unit.

According to some embodiments, the latch may be pushed out transverselywhile pushing in the CEC, for example, by not creating a full annularpart, i.e. dividing the latch into first and second segments and/orusing more than one latch.

According to some embodiments, the release mechanism may include alifting of the latch by the thread, when the CEC is twisted in acounter-clockwise direction relative to the adapter. Thus, in order toremove the adapter from the CEC, the user may twist the CEC, whilegripping in one hand the wings, and the other hand the adapter.According to some embodiments, at least part of the latch may include athinned wall. According to some embodiments, at least part of the latchmay include a wall made of a flexible material. Such thinned and/orflexible wall may enable the CEC thread to lift up the latch and thuspermit the release of the CEC from the adapter, during the twistingmotion of the CEC. According to some embodiments, the distance betweenthe first and second segments of the latch (or the distance between twoseparate latches) may be longer than the length of the thread, therebyenabling the thread to slide out between the first and second segmentsof the latch after twisting the CEC relative to the adapter. Thus, ifthe user (e.g. the hospital) uses medical devices, such as a capnographhaving a DIC compatible with the ISO 80369 standard, then the user maytwist out the CEC from the latch, and remove the CEC from the adapter bygripping the wings in one hand and the adapter in the second hand. Sincethe CEC is in accordance with the ISO 80369 standard it will fit the ISO80369 DIC. According to some embodiments, the force required to lift thelatch in the counter-clockwise direction may be designed to be largerthan the torque required to remove the CEC-adapter assembly from theDIC.

According to some embodiments, the adapter may include grippingpositions on the adapter. According to some embodiments, the grippingpositions may include wings.

According to some embodiments, the wings may be used to grip firmly theadapter providing torque and moment when twisting the adapter into aninstalled device. According to some embodiments, when removing theadapter from the device, the gripping wings may be used to provide thetorque required for removal of the CEC from the adapter. According tosome embodiments, the wings may be placed on a positon of the adapterabove the thinned and/or flexible wall, such that force used to detachthe CEC-adapter assembly from the DIC pushes down the thinned and/orflexible wall, thereby preventing the release of the CEC from theadapter.

According to some embodiments, when there will be sufficient devices inthe field having an ISO 80369 standard DIC, consumables having an ISO80369 standard CEC may be provided without being connected to theadapter, i.e. a consumable with a single configuration connector.Importantly, the single configuration connector may not include a notchin its thread and will therefore not be compatible with the adapterhaving a protrusion in an inner wall of its latch.

According to some embodiments, the adapter may be built from two or moreparts, the basic adapter part and a second part, that is used to lockthe CEC in position. According to some embodiments, the second part maybe a locker, such as but not limited to a snap-on locker, configured, atleast partially, to extend around the adapter. According to someembodiments, the attachment of the CEC to the adapter may be performedwithout the second adapter part. According to some embodiments, theconnection of the CEC to the adapter may be performed while using thestandard twisting and screwing functionality of the thread on the CEC.Hence, the adapter may, according to this embodiment include a mateablethread allowing the CEC to be screwed into the adapter. According tosome embodiments, the locker, serving as the locking mechanism, mayprevent the screwing functionality from occurring, thereby locking theCEC to the adapter. According to some embodiments, the locker may bewelded on the adapter after the CEC has been screwed into the adapter.According to some embodiments, the locker may be designed such that whenthe CEC is screwed into the adapter, it lifts the ends of the locker(e.g. the snap in section thereof), such that the threads of the CEC canpass the locker and subsequently be locked within the adapter.

According to some embodiments, the locker may have a protrusion in aninner wall thereof. The protrusion may be received within an opening orindentation in an outer wall of the adapter, thereby preventing the CECfrom being unscrewed from the adapter.

Upon connection of the CEC to the adapter, the user may grip the wingsto screw the first end of the adapter (the A2D end) into the device.Since the locker locks the CEC to the adapter, the CEC-adapter assemblymay act as a single unit. Similarly, the CEC-adapter assembly may bedisconnected from the DIC by gripping the wings, and screwing or pullingout the assembly. Since the locker locks the CEC to the adapter, theassembly disconnects from the device as a single unit.

According to some embodiments, the release mechanism may includebreaking of the locker, thereby enabling unscrewing the CEC from theadapter. For example, the locker may include a line of narrower wallthickness, causing the locker to break along the line when removed,thereby rendering the locker useless after removal. It is thusunderstood, that the CEC connected to the adapter and forming a doubleconfiguration connector therewith, may be a basic ISO 80369 connector.However, connection of a new ISO 80369 CEC is impossible since a firmattachment of the CEC to the adapter may only be achieved when an intactlocker locks around the CEC-adapter assembly.

According to some embodiments, the locker may include an extensionconfigured to lock the wings of the CEC, thereby securing theCEC-adapter assembly. According to some embodiments, the wings may bepositioned relatively close to the distal end of the CEC, so as not tocreate a too long extension. According to some embodiments, the wingsmay be positioned anywhere along ⅔ of the CEC closest to the distal end,such as anywhere along ½ of the CEC closest to the distal end or such asanywhere along ⅓ of the CEC closest to the distal end. Each possibilityis a separate embodiment.

According to some embodiments, the extension may include a limiting nng,configured to extend, at least partially, around at least part of theCEC. According to some embodiments, the limiting ring may include atleast one indentation/rail in an inner wall thereof, the rail configuredto match with at least one protruding section positioned on an outerwall of the CEC. According to some embodiments, the protruding sectionmay be a protruding ring. According to some embodiments, the limitingring and/or the protruding ring may not be full rings. For example, therail of the adapter may be made of three (equally) spaced out rails, andthe CEC may have three similar limiting protruding sections fittingbetween the rails of the adapter, thereby generating a lock and keyformation.

It is understood that the protruding section(s) on the CEC may serve asthe feature rendering a CEC, devoid of such, incompatible with theadapter. Thus, when there will be sufficient devices in the field havingan ISO 80369 standard DIC, consumables having an ISO 80369 standard CECmay be provided without being connected to the adapter, i.e. aconsumable with a single configuration connector. Importantly, thesingle configuration connector may not include a protruding section andwill therefore not be compatible with the adapter having a locker with arail.

According, to some embodiments, the adapter may be built from two ormore parts, the basic adapter part and a second part, a locker, used tolock the CEC within the adapter, thus serving as the locking mechanism.According to some embodiments, the adapter may include a protrusion inan outer wall thereof. According to some embodiments, the protrusion maybe sized and shaped to be received within an opening or indentation inan inner wall of the locker.

According, to some embodiments, the locker may include at least twoasymmetrical indentations in an inner wall thereof, the at least twoasymmetrical indentations configured to mate with asymmetrical threadspositioned on an outer wall of the CEC. According to some embodiments,for connection of the CEC to the adapter, the CEC is passed through thelocker and then screwed into the adapter (though a design in which theCEC is not screwed in and in which the threads are not used whenconnected with the adapter may also be applicable). According to someembodiments, the locker may be welded on the adapter after the CEC hasbeen connected to the adapter. According to some embodiments, the lockermay include slots configured to receive the wings of the CEC during theCEC-adapter assembly.

Upon connection of the CEC to the adapter, the user may grip the wingsto screw the first end of the adapter (the A2D end) into the device.Since the locker locks the CEC to the adapter, the CEC-adapter assemblyacts as a single unit. Similarly, the CEC-adapter assembly may bedisconnected from the DIC by gripping the wings, and screwing or pullingout the assembly. Since the locker locks the CEC to the adapter, theassembly disconnects from the device as a single unit.

According to some embodiments, the release mechanism includes releasingthe locker from the adapter, for example, by screwing the locker of theadapter. According to some embodiments, removal of the locker may causeits breakage. Thus, if the user (e.g. the hospital) uses medicaldevices, such as a capnograph having a DIC compatible with the ISO 80369standard, then the user may screw off the locker, and remove the CECfrom the adapter (with the ISO 594 standard connector). Since the CEC isin accordance with the ISO 80369 standard it will fit the ISO 80369 DIC.

It is understood that the asymmetrical position of the treads on the CECmay serve as the feature rendering the CEC compatible with the adapter.Thus, when there will be sufficient devices in the field having an ISO80369 standard DIC, consumables having an ISO 80369 standard CEC may beprovided without being connected to the adapter, i.e. a consumable witha single configuration connector. Importantly, the single configurationconnectors include regular, symmetrically positioned threads and willtherefore not be compatible with the adapter.

According to some embodiments, the locking mechanism of the adapter mayinclude one or more latches or tongues having at least one opening.According to some embodiments, the at least one opening may beconfigured to hook onto at least one bulge located on an outer wall ofthe CEC. According to some embodiments, the CEC may be slidingly/axiallyinserted into the adapter without requiring screwing and/or twisting,while lifting the tongue. According to some embodiments, the tongue maybe flexible (due to design or material), thereby enabling it to lift toaccommodate the protrusion.

Upon connection of the CEC to the adapter, the user may grip the wingsto screw the first end of the adapter (the A2D end) into the device.Since the tongue hooks onto the bulge on the CEC, the CEC-adapterassembly acts as a single unit. Similarly, the CEC-adapter assembly maybe disconnected from the DIC by gripping the wings, and unscrewing orpulling out the assembly. Since the tongue hooks onto the bulge on theCEC, the assembly disconnects from the device as a single unit.

According to some embodiments, the CEC may include two or more bulges,such as 2, 3, 4, 5 or more protrusions. Each possibility is a separateembodiment. According to some embodiments, the two or more bulges may bepositioned on opposite sides of the CEC. According to some embodiments,the distance between a top end of the first protrusion and a top end ofthe second protrusion may be larger than the internal diameter of theadapter. According to some embodiments, the adapter may include at leasttwo tongues. According to some embodiments, at least one of the tonguesmay include an extension configured to allow gripping thereof by a user.According to some embodiments, only one of the tongues may include anextension configured to allow gripping thereof by a user. According tosome embodiments, the diameter of the adapter in an orientationperpendicular to the tongue is larger than the diameter in the plane ofthe tongue, thereby allowing accommodation of the CEC threads.

According to some embodiments, the first bulge on the CEC may be shapedwith a sharp angle (e.g. approximately 90°). According to someembodiments, the long tongue may be configured to hook on the sharpangled bulge. According to some embodiments, the second bulge on the CECmay have an angle above 90° (e.g. 120°) making it relatively easy torelease when the tongue is raised. According to some embodiments, theend of the (long) tongue may be shaped to accommodate gripping.

Upon connection of the CEC to the adapter, the user may grip the wingsto screw the first end of the adapter (the A2D end) into the device.Since the locker locks the CEC to the adapter, the CEC-adapter assemblyacts as a single unit. Similarly, the CEC-adapter assembly may bedisconnected from the DIC by gripping the wings, and unscrewing orpulling out the assembly. Since the locker locks the CEC to the adapter,the assembly disconnects from the device as a single unit.

According to some embodiments, the release mechanism may include alifting of the tongue (above the sharp angled bulge), thereby enablingthe CEC to be pulled out. Thus, if the user (e.g. the hospital) usesmedical devices, such as a capnograph having a DIC compatible with theISO 80369 standard, then the user may lift the tongue, and remove theCEC from the adapter (with the ISO 594 standard connector). Since theCEC is in accordance with the ISO 80369 standard it will fit the ISO80369 DIC.

It is understood that the bulge on the outer wall of the CEC may serveas the feature rendering the CEC compatible with the adapter. Thus, whenthere will be sufficient devices in the field having an ISO 80369standard DIC, consumables having an ISO 80369 standard CEC may beprovided without being connected to the adapter, i.e. a consumable witha single configuration connector. Importantly, the single configurationconnectors are devoid of bulges and will therefore not be compatiblewith the adapter.

As used herein the term “distal end” when referring to the CEC may referto the end of the CEC furthest away from the consumable (e.g. breathsampling tube).

As used herein the term “proximal end” when referring to the CEC mayrefer to the end of the CEC closest to the consumable (e.g. breathsampling tube).

As used herein, the terms “one or more” and “at least one” mayinterchangeably be used and may refer to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more of theitem to which it refers. Each possibility is a separate embodiment. Asused herein, the terms “two or more” and “at least two” mayinterchangeably be used and may refer to 2, 3, 4, 5 or more of the itemto which it refers. Each possibility is a separate embodiment.

Reference will now be made to the figures. The figures are directed toseveral alternative adapters and/or double configuration connectors. Itis obvious that each defines a general concept, where the proposeddesign is an example of a group of solutions and embodiments. Further,features of one concept may be added to a second concept in order toenhance its functionality and compliance with the defined requirements.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1A-FIG. 1B which show views of an adapter100 before and after connection to a consumable end connector (CEC) 150and a device input connector (DIC) 180, according to some embodiments.DIC 180, which conforms to the old (ISO 594) standard, is normallyincorporated and fixed within a device connector panel (not shown). CEC150 complies with the new ISO 80369 standard and is generally anintegral part of a capnograph sampling line and patient interface (notshown). CEC 150 includes, at a distal end 151 thereof, threads 154, usedfor firm connection to a mating connector of the same standard. At itsproximal end 152, CEC 150 includes wings 156, used for providing a firmgrip to the user and ability to twist easily for mating purposes.

Adapter 100 includes a first end (A2D) 101 with a first connector 110having a first connector configuration, here a connector configurationaccording to the ISO 594 standard, enabling adapter 100 to be screwedinto DIC 180 using threads 112. A second end (A2C) 102 of adapter 100 isconfigured to receive CEC 150. According to this embodiment, adapter 100includes slots 116 sized and shaped to receive wings 156. It isunderstood that wings 156 may have a size, position and/or orientationon CEC 150 different from typical ISO 80369 connectors, therebydictating the position and length of slots 116 on adapter 100 and makingthe connection of CEC 150 to adapter 100 unique. In addition, CEC 150may include more than two wings orientated at any given angle relativeto each other. Adapter 100 further includes a hook 114 configured tohook onto threads 154 of CEC 150, thereby locking CEC 150 within adapter100. Hook 114 can be displaced outwards when sliding CEC 150 intoadapter 100, so as to hook onto CEC 150 after threads 154 have passedhook 114. It is thus understood that although CEC 150 is a femaleconnector compliant with the ISO 80369 standard, threads 154 are notused to mate with adapter 100. Instead, CEC 150 slides axially, with noturning motion into A2C 102, until hook 114 is secured on threads 154 ofCEC 150.

Upon connection of CEC 150 into adapter 100, as depicted in FIG. 1B, theassembly serves as a single unit that may be screwed in and out of DIC180 without being disassembled. The assembly (CEC 150 inserted intoadapter 100) has an inherent ability to become either one of theconnector configurations, by performing a minimal and simple manualaction (not requiring an expert or technician). The hospital (or otherend user) will therefore not be required to stock two types ofconsumables, i.e. one ending with an ISO 594 configuration connector andone with the new ISO 80369 configuration connector. Preferably, theconsumable may, during the first few years of the transfer period, bemarketed and distributed where it is ready for connection with an ISO594 socket (the majority of devices in field), and where to use it withthe new ISO 80369 compatible device, the minimal manual action isrequired. That is, the double configuration connector is ready toconnect to a DIC having an old connecter configuration through firstconnector 110 of adapter 100. However, if new devices having socketscompatible with the ISO 80369 standard are used, hook 114 may be lifted,thereby enabling CEC 150 to be removed from adapter 100, by grippingwings 156 and pulling out CEC 150 from A2I 102. Since CEC 150 is incompatible with the ISO 80369 standard, it will fit the ISO 80369 socketof the device.

After removal of CEC 150 from adapter 100, adapter 100 will not beusable again with any new standard ISO 80369 configuration connectorthat is not of the type that comes with the adapter (which anyway comeswith an adapter). The single use is achieved by the unique size,position and/or orientation of wings 156 on CEC 150, preventingconnection of a new ISO 80369 connector having standard wing size,position and/or orientation. Accordingly, saving adapter 100 will notadd any benefit for further use, and will not serve as means for futuremating between DIC 180 and a new ISO 80369 connector, hence renderingadapter 100 useless after its first use. It is understood to one ofordinary skill in the art that such single use limitation is importantin order to prevent buildup of a collection of adapters that negate thereason for creating the new standard, i.e. to reduce risk.

When devices with the new ISO 80369 configuration socket becomeabundant, marketing of consumables that are compatible with the newstandard device sockets can be initiated. However, in order to ensurethat these single configuration consumables do not connect with adapter100, the consumables may be provided with an ISO 80369 connector havingwings with a different size, position and/or orientation, rendering itincompatible with adapter 100, while avoiding impairment of itscompliance with the new standard.

FIG. 1C shows a cross section of adapter 100 connected to CEC 150 and toDIC 180, according to some embodiments. CEC 150 is inserted, essentiallyin its entirety, into adapter 100 such that withdrawal of CEC 150 fromadapter 100. Furthermore, adapter 100 includes a secondary cone 118configured to mate with a secondary cone 158 of CEC 150, therebyensuring an airtight passageway with minimal disturbances to flow, fromCEC 150 to adapter 100 and further to DIC 180, once securely assembled.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2A-FIG. 2B which show views of an adapter200 before and after connection to a consumable end connector (CEC) 250and a device input connector (DIC) 280, according to some embodiments.DIC 280, which conforms to the old (ISO 594) standard is normallyincorporated and fixed within the device connector panel (not shown).CEC 250 complies with the new ISO 80369 standard and is generally anintegral part of a capnograph sampling line and patient interface (notshown). CEC 250 includes, at a distal end 251 thereof, threads 254, usedfor firm connection to a mating connector of the same standard. At aproximal end 252 thereof, CEC 250 includes wings 256, used for providinga firm grip to the user and ability to twist easily for mating purposes.

Adapter 200 includes a first end (A2D) 201 with a first connector 210having a first connector configuration, here a connector configurationaccording to the ISO 594 standard, enabling adapter 200 to be screwedinto DIC 280 using threads 212. A second end (A2C) 202 of adapter 200 isconfigured to receive CEC 250. According to this embodiment, adapter 200includes latches 214 configured to latch onto at least one of threads254 of CEC 250, thereby locking CEC 250 to adapter 200. For connection,at least one of latches 214 is displaced outwards enabling CEC 250 toslide into A2C 202 until latches 214 have latched onto thread 254 of CEC250. At least one of latches 214 include a protrusion 260 (shown in FIG.2C) configured to be received within a groove 255 formed in at least oneof threads 254, thereby ensuring correct alignment between CEC 250 andadapter 200.

Upon connection of CEC 250 into adapter 200, as depicted in FIG. 2B, theassembly serves as a single unit that may be screwed in and out of DIC280 without being disassembled.

The double configuration assembly (CEC 250 inserted into adapter 200)has an inherent ability to become either one of the connectorconfigurations, by performing a minimal and simple manual action (notrequiring an expert or technician). The hospital (or other end user)will therefore not be required to stock two types of consumables, i.e.one ending with an ISO 594 configuration connector and one with the newISO 80369 configuration connector. It is preferable, that the consumableduring the first few years of the transfer period be marketed anddistributed where it is ready for connection with the installed base,ISO 594 socket (the majority of devices in field), and where to use itwith a new ISO 80369 compatible device, the minimal manual action isrequired. That is, the double configuration connector is ready toconnect to a device socket having an old connecter configuration throughfirst connector 210 of adapter 200. However, if the device has a socketcompatible with the ISO 80369 standard, at least one of latches 214 maybe pushed out transversely, thereby enabling CEC 250 to be removed fromadapter 200, by gripping wings 256 and pulling out CEC 250 from A2I 202.Latches 214 do not create a full annular part. Thus, CEC 250 may, whentwisted counter-clockwise (unlike when securing the assembly into DIC280 through connector 210), cause a lifting up of at least one oflatches 214, thereby facilitating release of CEC 250 from adapter 210.According to some embodiments, part of at least one of latches 214, (forexample the upper one of latches 214) may have a thinned wall and/or bemade of a flexible material, thereby easing the lifting of latches 214by threads 254. Moreover, the distance h between latches 214 is largerthan the length t of threads 254; thereby enabling an upper one ofthreads 254 to slide out between latches 214.

According to some embodiments, adapter 200 may also include grippingfeatures such as, for example, wings (not shown). Such wings have twopurposes; firstly they may be used to firmly grip adapter 200 providingtorque and moment when twisting the adapter 210 in (or out) of DIC 280and secondly, if the wings are placed above the thinned and/or flexiblewall, the counter-clockwise force used to detach the single unitassembly (CEC 250 locked to adapter 200) will push down the thinnedwall, preventing the assembly to separate into its constituting adapter200 and CEC 250. Similarly, when connecting adapter 200 to DIC 280through connector 210, the clockwise screwing of the assembly does notcause the assembly to separate into its constituting adapter 200 and CEC250, as threads 254 meet a thickened wall of latches 214, preventing thedisassembly. In addition, the force required to lift latches 214 isdesigned to be much larger than the torque required for removing adapter200 from DIC 280.

After removal of CEC 250 from adapter 200, adapter 200 will not beusable again with any new standard ISO 80369 configuration connectorthat is not of the type that comes with the adapter (which anyway comeswith an adapter). This is achieved since connectors having a full lengththread devoid of groove 255 will be prevented from being connected toadapter 200. Accordingly, saving adapter 200 will not add any benefitfor further use, and will not serve as a means for future mating betweenDIC 280 and a new ISO 80369 connector, hence rendering adapter 200useless after its first use. It is understood to one of ordinary skillin the art that such single use limitation is important in order toprevent buildup of a collection of adapters that negate the reason forcreating the new standard, i.e. to reduce risk.

When devices with the new ISO 80369 configuration socket becomeabundant, marketing of consumables that are compatible with the newstandard device sockets can be initiated. However, in order to ensurethat these single configuration consumables do not connect with adapter200, the consumables may be provided devoid of groove 255, therebypreventing them from connecting to adapter 200.

FIG. 2C, shows a cross section of adapter 200 connected to CEC 250 andto DIC 280, according to some embodiments. CEC 250 is connected toadapter 200 (without being inserted therein) to a point allowing latches214 to be hooked onto threads 254, thereby preventing of CEC 250 frombeing pulled out of adapter 200. Furthermore, adapter 200 includes asecondary cone 218 configured to mate with a secondary cone 258 of CEC250, thereby ensuring an air tight passageway with minimal disturbancesto flow from CEC 250 to adapter 200 and further to DIC 280, oncesecurely assembled.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3A-FIG. 3B, which show views of an adapter300 before and after connection to a consumable end connector (CEC) 350and a device input connector (DIC) 380, according to some embodiments.DIC 380, which conforms to the old (ISO 594) standard, is normallyincorporated and fixed within a device connector panel (not shown). CEC350 complies with the new ISO 80369 standard and is generally anintegral part of a capnograph sampling line and patient interface (notshown). CEC 350 includes, at a distal end 351 thereof, threads 354, usedfor firm connection to a mating connector of the same standard. At itsproximal end 352, CEC 350 includes wings 356, used for providing a firmgrip to the user and ability to twist easily for mating purposes.

Adapter 300 includes a first end (A2D) 301 with a first connector 310having a first connector configuration, here a connector configurationaccording to the ISO 594 standard, enabling adapter 300 to be screwedinto DIC 380 using threads 312. A second end (A2C) 302 of adapter 300 isconfigured to receive CEC 350. According to this embodiment, adapter 300further includes a locker, separate from adapter 300, such as snap-onlocker 370 configured to be snapped around an indented wall 316 of theadapter, between limiting annular rings 317. Attachment (and detachment)of CEC 350 is performed without snap-on locker 370, and is done bytwisting and/or screwing threads 354 of CEC 350 into mating threadmechanism 320 (shown in FIG. 3C) of adapter 300. After CEC 350 has beenscrewed into adapter 300, snap-on locker 370 is snapped around adapter300, thereby preventing CEC 350 from being unscrewed from adapter 300.Snap-on locker 370, has a protrusion 372 intended to perform the lockingfeature when placed snapped around adapter 300, via an opening 314 inindented wall 316 of adapter 300 configured to receive protrusion 372.According to some embodiments, snap-on locker 370 may include anextension (not shown) configured to lock wings 356 of CEC 300. Wings 356would preferably be positioned at larger than usual distance fromproximal end 352 of CEC 350 and thus closer to the extension in orderfor the latter not to be too long.

Upon connection of CEC 350 into adapter 300 and lockage of the assemblyby snapping on snap-on locker 370, as depicted in FIG. 3B, the assemblyserves as a single unit that may be screwed in and out of DIC 380without being disassembled. The stability of the assembly (CEC 350connected to adapter 300) by the addition of the extension to snap-onlocker 370 configured to lock wings 356 of CEC 300.

The assembly (CEC 350 connected to adapter 300) has an inherent abilityto become either one of the connector configurations, by performing aminimal and simple manual action (not requiring an expert ortechnician). The hospital (or other end user) will therefore not berequired to stock two types of consumables, i.e. one ending with an ISO594 configuration connector and one with the new ISO 80369 configurationconnector. Preferably, the consumable may, during the first few years ofthe transfer period, be marketed and distributed where it is ready forconnection with an ISO 594 socket (the majority of devices in thefield), and where to use it with the new ISO 80369 compatible device,the minimal manual action is required. That is, the double configurationconnector is ready to connect to a DIC having an old connecterconfiguration through first connector 310 of adapter 300. However, ifnew devices having sockets compatible with the ISO 80369 standard areused, snap-on locker 370 may be removed, thereby enabling CEC 350 to bescrewed out of adapter 300. Since CEC 350 is incompatible with the ISO80369 standard it will fit the ISO 80369 socket of the device.

According to some embodiments, snap-on locker 370 may be construed suchthat when removing it from adapter 300 it breaks. For example, snap-onlocker 370 may include a breakage line, such as breakage line 374 in awall 376, made of a thinner wall thickness. It is understood to one ofordinary skill in art that breakage of snap-on locker 370 renders ituseless after removal.

According to some embodiments, after removal of CEC 350 from adapter300, adapter 300 will not be usable again with any new standard ISO80369 configuration connector that is not of the type that comes withthe adapter (which anyway comes with an adapter), as adaptor 300, devoidof locker 370, will fail to retain connector 350 connected thereto.Accordingly, saving adapter 300 will not add any benefit for furtheruse, and will not serve as a means for future mating between DIC 380 anda new ISO 80369 connector, hence rendering adapter 300 useless after itsfirst use. It is understood to one of ordinary skill in the art thatsuch single use limitation is important in order to prevent buildup of acollection of adapters that negate the reason for creating the newstandard, i.e. to reduce risk.

When devices with the new ISO 80369 configuration socket becomeabundant, marketing of consumables that are compatible with the newstandard device sockets can be initiated. Preferably, the consumableswill be provided with an ISO 80369 connector having wings at its usualproximal position.

FIG. 3C shows a cross section of adapter 300 connected to CEC 350 and toDIC 380, according to some embodiments. CEC is screwed into adapter 300and subsequently locked thereto by snapping on snap-on locker 370,thereby preventing CEC 350 from being screwed out of adapter 300.Furthermore, adapter 300 includes a secondary cone 318 configured tomate with a secondary cone 358 of CEC 350, thereby ensuring an air tightand passageway with minimal disturbances to flow, from CEC 350 toadapter 300 and further to DIC 380, once securely assembled.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4A-FIG. 4B which show views of an adapter400 before and after connection to a consumable end connector (CEC) 450,according to some embodiments. CEC 450 complies with the new ISO 80369standard and is generally an integral part of a capnograph sampling lineand patient interface (not shown). CEC 450 includes, at a distal end 451thereof, threads 454, used for firm connection to a mating connector ofthe same standard. At its proximal end 452, CEC 450 includes wings 456,used for providing a firm grip to the user and ability to twist easilyfor mating purposes.

Adapter 400 includes a first end (A2D) 401 with a first connector 410having a first connector configuration, here a connector configurationaccording to the ISO 594 standard, enabling adapter 400 to be screwedinto a DIC of the same standard (not shown) using threads 412. A secondend (A2C) 402 of adapter 400 is configured to receive CEC 450. Accordingto this embodiment, adapter 400 further includes a locker, separate fromadapter 400, such as snap-on locker 470, configured to be snapped aroundan indented wall 416 of the adapter, between limiting annular rings 417.Locker 470 may include a slot 472 configured to receive therewithinannular ring 417 closest to A2C 402. Attachment (and detachment) of CEC450 may be performed without snap-on locker 470, by twisting and/orscrewing threads 454 of CEC 450 into mating thread mechanism 420 ofadapter 400. Alternatively, CEC may be screwed into adapter 400 whilesnap-on locker 470 is snapped therearound, such that screwing in CEC 450lifts the ends of snap-on locker 470, facilitating threads 454 of CEC450 to pass and lock. According to some embodiments, snap-on locker 470may be welded to the adapter 400 after CEC 450 is secured to adapter400.

After CEC 450 has been screwed into adapter 400 and snap-on locker 470is snapped around adapter 400, CEC 450 is prevented from being unscrewedfrom adapter 400. Snap-on locker 470, includes an extension 480configured to engage with a protruding section 464 on CEC 450. Extension480 includes a rail 473 configured to receive protruding section 464 ofCEC 450. According to some embodiments, rail 473 may be built of two (ormore) spaced out limiting sections, and protruding section 464 maylikewise be made of two (or more) sections, compatible with the numberof sections in rail 473. Such configuration produces a lock and keyformation preventing ISO 80369 connectors devoid protruding section(s)from connecting to adapter 400.

Upon connection of CEC 450 into adapter 400 and lockage of the assemblyby snapping on snap-on locker 470, as depicted in FIG. 4B, the assemblyserves as a single unit that may be screwed in and out of a devicesocket without being disassembled.

The assembly (CEC 450 connected to adapter 400) has an inherent abilityto become either one of the connector configurations, by performing aminimal and simple manual action (not requiring an expert ortechnician). The hospital (or other end user) will therefore not berequired to stock two types of consumables, i.e. one ending with an ISO594 configuration connector and one with the new ISO 80369 configurationconnector. Preferably, the consumable may, during the first few years ofthe transfer period, be marketed and distributed where it is ready forconnection with an ISO 594 socket (the majority of devices in thefield), and where to use it with the new ISO 80369 compatible device,the minimal manual action is required. That is, the double configurationconnector is ready to connect to a DIC having an old connecterconfiguration through first connector 410 of adapter 400. However, ifnew devices having sockets compatible with the ISO 80369 standard areused, snap-on locker 470 may be removed, thereby enabling CEC 450 to beunscrewed from adapter 400. Since CEC 450 is in compatible with the ISO80369 standard it will fit the ISO 80369 socket of the device.

According to some embodiments, snap-on locker 470 may be construed suchthat when removing it from adapter 400 it breaks. For example, snap-onlocker 470 may include a breakage line, such as breakage line (notshown) made of a thinner wall thickness. It is understood to one ofordinary skill in the art that breakage of snap-on locker 470 renders ituseless after removal.

When devices with the new ISO 80369 configuration socket becomeabundant, marketing of consumables that are compatible with the newstandard device sockets can be initiated. Preferably, the consumableswill be provided with an ISO 80369 connector devoid of protrudingsection(s).

Reference is now made to FIG. 5A-FIG. 5C, which show views of an adapter500 before and after connection to a consumable end connector (CEC) 550,according to some embodiments. CEC 550 complies with the new ISO 80369standard and is generally an integral part of a capnograph sampling lineand patient interface (not shown). CEC 550 includes, at a distal end 551thereof, threads 554, used for firm connection to a mating connector ofthe same standard. According to this embodiment, threads 554 arepositioned asymmetrically on CEC 554. At its proximal end 552, CEC 550includes wings 556, used for providing a firm grip to the user andability to twist easily for mating purposes.

Adapter 500 includes a first end (A2D) 501 with a first connector 510having a first connector configuration, here a connector configurationaccording to the ISO 594 standard, enabling adapter 500 to be screwedinto a DIC 580 using threads 512. A second end (A2C) 502 of adapter 500is configured to receive CEC 550. According to this embodiment, adapter500 further includes a locker, separate from adapter 500, such as locker570, configured to be pushed or slided over adapter 500. Locker 570includes asymmetrical indentations 578 in an inner wall 572 thereof,configured to receive asymmetrical threads 554 of CEC 550 (see FIG. 3C).Attachment of CEC 550 to adapter 500 is performed by passing CEC 550through locker 570, such that asymmetrical threads 554 slide throughasymmetrical indentations 578, prior to screwing threads 554 of CEC 550into mating thread mechanism 520 of adapter 500 or prior to pushing CEC550 axially into adapter 500 as essentially described herein.

Adapter 500 also includes a protrusion 514 on an outer wall 516 thereof.Protrusion 514 is sized and shaped to be received within an opening 574in an outer wall 576 of locker 570, thereby locking CEC 550 to adapter500. According to some embodiments, locker 570 may be welded to theadapter 500 after CEC 550 is secured to adapter 500.

Upon connection of CEC 550 into adapter 500 and lockage of the assemblyby sliding thereon locker 570, as depicted in FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C, theassembly serves as a single unit that may be screwed in and out a devicesocket without being disassembled.

The assembly (CEC 550 connected to adapter 500) has an inherent abilityto become either one of the connector configurations, by performing aminimal and simple manual action (not requiring an expert ortechnician). The hospital (or other end user) will therefore not berequired to stock two types of consumables, i.e. one ending with an ISO594 configuration connector and one with the new ISO 80369 configurationconnector. Preferably, the consumable may, during the first few years ofthe transfer period, be marketed and distributed where it is ready forconnection with an ISO 594 socket (the majority of devices in field),and where to use it with the new ISO 80369 compatible device, theminimal manual action is required. That is, the double configurationconnector is ready to connect to DIC 580 through first connector 510 ofadapter 500. However, if new devices having sockets compatible with theISO 80369 standard are used, locker 570 may be removed, thereby enablingCEC 550 to be screwed or pushed out of adapter 500. Since CEC 550 is incompatible with the ISO 80369 standard it will fit the ISO 80369 socketof the device. According to some embodiments, locker 570 may beconstrued such that when removing it from adapter 500 it breaks. It isunderstood to one of ordinary skill in art that breakage of locker 570renders it useless after removal.

When devices with the new ISO 80369 configuration socket becomeabundant, marketing of consumables that are compatible with the newstandard device sockets can be initiated. Such consumables will beprovided with an ISO 80369 connector having symmetrically positionedthreads incompatible with locker 570 and/or thread mechanism 520.

FIG. 5D shows a cross section of adapter 500 connected to CEC 550 and toDIC 580, according to some embodiments. CEC is screwed into adapter 500and subsequently locked thereto by securing protrusion 514 withinopening 574, thereby preventing CEC 550 from being unscrewed fromadapter 500. Furthermore, adapter 500 includes a secondary cone 518configured to mate with a secondary cone 558 of CEC 550, therebyensuring an air tight passageway with minimal disturbances to flow, fromCEC 550 to adapter 500 and further to DIC 580, once securely assembled.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6A-FIG. 6C, which show views of an adapter600 before and after connection to a consumable end connector (CEC) 650,according to some embodiments. CEC 650 complies with the new ISO 80369standard and is generally an integral part of a capnograph sampling lineand patient interface (not shown).

Adapter 600 includes a first end (A2D) 601 with a first connector 610having a first connector configuration, here a connector configurationaccording to the ISO 594 standard, enabling adapter 600 to be screwedinto DIC 680 using threads 612. A second end (A2C) 602 of adapter 600 isconfigured to receive CEC 650. According to this embodiment, adapter 600includes latches 614 a and 614 b (also referred to herein as tongues).Latches 614 a and 614 b include at least one opening, such as opening616 configured to receive and secure bulges 664 a and 664 b (alsoreferred to herein as latching elements) on outer wall 662 of CEC 650,thereby locking CEC 650 to adapter 600. CEC 650 is here illustrated asincluding two bulges, however a larger number of bulges, such as 3, 4, 5or more bulges complemented by a mating number of openings on latches614 a and/or 614 b (compatible with the positioned of the bulges) mayalso be envisaged and as such fall within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

For connection, at least one of latches 614 a and 614 b is displacedoutwards, enabling CEC 650 to slide axially into A2C 602 withoutscrewing or twisting, in such manner that bulges 664 a and 664 b arepositioned in line with openings 616 facilitating bulges 664 a and 664 bto be lodged within openings 616 of latches 614 a and 614 b. Latches 614a and/or 614 b are sufficiently flexible to be lifted so as toaccommodate bulges 664 a and 664 b during entrance. Thus mating isachieved by the key and lock feature of bulges 664 a and 664 b withopenings 616 rather than through mating of A2C 602 with CEC 650. Latch614 a or 614 b may be longer, thereby providing an extension 615 (shownin FIG. 6C) enabling gripping when removing CEC 650 from adapter 600.Bulges 664 a and 664 b, and openings 616 compatible therewith, may be ofdifferent size and shape. For example, bulge 664 a, configured to bereceived within opening 616 of latch 614 a having extension 615, may beshaped with a sharp angle (e.g. 90 degrees), while bulge 664 b may havea larger angle facilitating easier release, after latch 614 a has beenreleased from bulge 664 b. Furthermore, latches 614 a and/or 614 b mayinclude a gripping elements 621 (shown in FIG. 6A) used when liftinglatches 614 a and/or 614 b during connection and/or removal of CEC 650to adapter 600.

Upon connection of CEC 650 into adapter 600, as depicted in FIGS. 6B and6C, the assembly serves as a single unit that may be screwed in and outof DIC 680 without being disassembled, due to the latch and lockprovided by latches 614 a and 614 b and bulges 664 a and 664 b (thelatter shown in FIG. 6D).

The double configuration assembly (CEC 650 inserted into adapter 600)has an inherent ability to become either one of the connectorconfigurations, by performing a minimal and simple manual action (notrequiring an expert or technician). The hospital (or other end user)will therefore not be required to stock two types of consumables, i.e.one ending with an ISO 594 configuration connector and one with the newISO 80369 configuration connector. It is preferable that the consumable,during the first few years of the transfer period, be marketed anddistributed where it is ready for connection with the installed base,ISO 594 socket (the majority of devices in field), and where to use itwith a new ISO 80369 compatible device, the minimal manual action isrequired. That is, the double configuration connector is ready toconnect to a device socket having an old connecter configuration throughfirst connector 610 of adapter 600. However, if devices having socketscompatible with the ISO 80369 standard are used, latch 614 a may belifted, (by gripping gripping elements 621), thereby enabling CEC 650 tobe removed from adapter 600, by gripping wings 656 and twisting CEC 650so as to release, initially bulge 664 a from latch 614 a andsubsequently bulge 664 b from latch 614 b, thereby enabling CEC 650 tobe pulled out of A2C 602. Since CEC 650 is compatible with the ISO 80369standard, it will fit the ISO 80369 device socket.

After removal of CEC 650 from adapter 600, adapter 600 will not beusable again with any new standard ISO 80369 configuration connectorthat is not of the type that comes with the adapter (which anyway comeswith an adapter). This is achieved since mating between CEC 650 andadapter 600 is only achieved by locking bulges 664 a and 664 b withinopening 616 of latches 614 a and 614 b and not through mating betweenCEC 650 with A2C 602. Connectors devoid of bulges 664 a and 664 b, onthe other hand, are not compatible with adapter 600. Therefore, savingadapter 600 will not add any benefit for further use, and will not serveas a means for future mating between DIC 680 and a new ISO 80369connector, hence rendering adapter 600 useless after its first use. Itis understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that such single uselimitation is important in order to prevent buildup of a collection ofadapters that negate the reason for creating the new standard, i.e. toreduce risk.

When devices with the new ISO 80369 configuration socket becomeabundant, marketing of consumables that are compatible with the newstandard device sockets can be initiated. However, in order to ensurethat these single configuration consumables do not connect with adapter600, the consumables may be provided devoid of bulges 664 a and 664 b,thereby preventing them from connecting to adapter 600.

FIG. 6D, shows a cross section of adapter 600 connected to CEC 650 andto DIC 680, according to some embodiments. CEC 650 is connected toadapter 600 (without being inserted therein) to a point allowing bulges664 a and 664 b to be hooked to be received within openings 616 oflatches 614 a and 614 b, thereby preventing of CEC 650 from being pulledout of adapter 600. Adapter 600 includes a secondary cone 618 configuredto mate with a secondary cone 658 of CEC 650, thereby ensuring an airtight passageway with minimal disturbances to flow from CEC 650 toadapter 600 and further to DIC 680, once securely assembled. Accordingto some embodiments, adapter 600 may further include a soft material 645configured to further ensure that the passageway from CEC 650 to adapter600 and further to DIC 680 is kept airtight.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B which show views of anadapter 700, similar to the above embodiment, before and afterconnection to a consumable end connector (CEC) 750. CEC 750 complieswith the new ISO 80369 standard and is generally an integral part of acapnograph sampling line and patient interface (not shown).

Adapter 700 includes a first end (A2D) 701 with a first connector 710having a first connector configuration, here a connector configurationaccording to the ISO 594 standard, enabling adapter 700 to be screwedinto DIC of the same standard using threads 712. A second end (A2C) 702of adapter 700 is configured to receive CEC 750. According to thisembodiment, adapter 700 includes latches 714 a and 714 b (also referredto herein as tongues). Latches 714 a and 714 b include at least oneopening, such as opening 716 configured to receive and secure bulges(also referred to herein as latching elements and essentially similar tobulges 664 a and 664 b of CEC 650) formed on the outer wall of CEC 750,thereby locking CEC 750 to adapter 700.

For connection, at least one of latches 714 a and 714 b is displacedoutwards enabling CEC 750 to slide axially into A2C 702 without screwingor twisting, in such manner that bulges of CEC 750 are positioned inline with openings 716 facilitating them to be lodged therewithin.Latches 714 a and/or 714 b are sufficiently flexible to be lifted andinclude curved extensions 715 a and 715 b facilitating easy gripping bya user.

Upon connection of CEC 750 into adapter 700, as depicted in FIG. 7B, theassembly serves as a single unit that may be screwed in and out of a DICmateable with connector 710 of adapter 700, without being disassembled,due to the latch and lock provided by latches 714 a and 714 b and thebulges of CEC 750.

The double configuration assembly (CEC 750 inserted into adapter 700)has an inherent ability to become either one of the connectorconfigurations, by performing a minimal and simple manual action (notrequiring an expert or technician). The hospital (or other end user)will therefore not be required to stock two types of consumables, i.e.one ending with an ISO 594 configuration connector and one with the newISO 80369 configuration connector. It is preferable, that theconsumable, during the first few years of the transfer period, bemarketed and distributed where it is ready for connection with theinstalled base, ISO 594 socket (the majority of devices in field), andwhere, to use it with a new ISO 80369 compatible device, the minimalmanual action is required. That is, the double configuration connectoris ready to connect to a device socket having an old connecterconfiguration through first connector 710 of adapter 700. However, ifdevices having sockets compatible with the ISO 80369 standard are used,latch 714 a may be lifted by gripping curved extensions 715 a and 715 band twisting CEC 750 so as to release the bulges from openings 716,enabling CEC 750 to be pulled out of A2C 702. Since CEC 750 iscompatible with the ISO 80369 standard, it will fit the ISO 80369 devicesocket.

After removal of CEC 750 from adapter 700, adapter 700 will not beusable again with any new standard ISO 80369 configuration connectorthat is not of the type that comes with the adapter (which anyway comeswith an adapter). This is achieved since mating between CEC 750 andadapter 700 is only achieved by locking the bulges within openings 716of latches 714 a and 714 b, and not through mating between CEC 750 withA2C 702. Consequently, connectors devoid of bulges are not compatiblewith adapter 700. Therefore, saving adapter 700 will not add any benefitfor further use, and will not serve as a means for future mating betweenDICs according to the ISO 594 standard and ISO 80369 connectors, hencerendering adapter 700 useless after its first use. It is understood toone of ordinary skill in the art that such single use limitation isimportant in order to prevent buildup of a collection of adapters thatnegate the reason for creating the new standard, i.e. to reduce risk.

When devices with the new ISO 80369 configuration socket becomeabundant, marketing of consumables that are compatible with the newstandard device sockets can be initiated. However, in order to ensurethat these single configuration consumables do not connect with adapter700, the consumables may be provided devoid of bulges, therebypreventing them from connecting to adapter 700.

Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which shows a perspective view of aconsumable end connector (CEC) 850, according to some embodiments. CEC850 complies with the new ISO 80369 standard and is generally anintegral part of a capnograph sampling line and patient interface (notshown). CEC 850 includes, at a distal end 851 thereof, threads 854, usedfor firm connection to a mating connector of the same standard. At aproximal end 852 thereof, CEC 850 includes wings 856, used for providinga firm grip to the user and ability to twist easily for mating purposes.

According to this embodiment, CEC 850 includes bulges 864 a and 864 b(also referred to herein as latching elements) on outer wall 862 of CEC850. Bulges 864 a and 864 b are configured to be received within opening(such as opening 616) of latches formed on a compatible adapter (such asadapter 600), thereby providing a key and lock solution ensuring uniqueand firm connection between CEC 850 and the adapter. CEC 850 is hereillustrated as including two bulges, however a larger number of bulges,such as 3, 4, 5 or more bulges may also be envisaged and as such fallwithin the scope of the present disclosure. According to someembodiments, CEC 850 may further include means to ensure activation ofthe medical device (e.g. capnograph) only when CEC 850 is connected to a(ISO 80369 standard) socket of the medical device or when an adapter, towhich CEC 850 is connected, connects to a (ISO 594) socket of themedical device. Here, CEC 850 includes three spectrally distinctreflective regions 859 a, 859 b and 859 c, each region configured toreflect light at a different wavelength when illuminated, configured toensure activation of the medical device to which it is connected onlywhen reflected light is identified, directly or indirectly.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which shows a perspective view of aconsumable end connector (CEC) 950, according to some embodiments. CEC950 complies with the new ISO 80369 standard and is generally anintegral part of a capnograph sampling line and patient interface (notshown). CEC 950 includes, at a distal end 951 thereof, threads 954, usedfor firm connection to a mating connector of the same standard. At aproximal end 952 thereof, CEC 950 includes wings 956, used for providinga firm grip to the user and ability to twist easily for mating purposes.

According to this embodiment, CEC 950 includes a notch 955 within thread954. Notch 955 serve to provide a key and lock feature with a protrusion(such as protrusion 260) formed on an inner wall of an adapter ensuringunique connection between CEC 950 and the adapter. According to someembodiments, CEC 950 may further include means to ensure activation ofthe medical device (e.g. capnograph) only when CEC 950 is connected to a(ISO 80369 standard) socket of the medical device or when an adapter, towhich CEC 950 is connected, connects to a (ISO 594) socket of themedical device, as essentially described herein.

Reference is now made to FIG. 10, which shows a perspective view of aconsumable end connector (CEC) 1050, according to some embodiments. CEC1050 complies with the new ISO 80369 standard and is generally anintegral part of a capnograph sampling line and patient interface (notshown). CEC 1050 includes, at a distal end 1051 thereof, threads 1054,used for firm connection to a mating connector of the same standard. Ata proximal end 1052 thereof, CEC 1050 includes wings 1056, used forproviding a firm grip to the user and ability to twist easily for matingpurposes.

According to this embodiment, CEC 1050 includes a protruding section1064, which serve to provide a key and lock feature with a rail (such asrail 480) ensuring a unique connection between CEC 1050 and the adapter.According to some embodiments, CEC 1050 may further include means toensure activation of the medical device (e.g. capnograph) only when CEC1050 is connected to a (ISO 80369 standard) socket of the medical deviceor when an adapter, to which CEC 1050 is connected, connects to a (ISO594) socket the medical device, as essentially described herein.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It willbe further understood that the terms “comprises” or “comprising,” whenused in this specification, specify the presence of stated features,integers, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do notpreclude or rule out the presence or addition of one or more otherfeatures, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or groupsthereof.

It should be understood that various aspects disclosed herein may becombined in different combinations than the combinations specificallypresented in the description and accompanying drawings. It should alsobe understood that, depending on the example, certain acts or events ofany of the processes or methods described herein may be performed in adifferent sequence, may be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g.,all described acts or events may not be necessary to carry out thetechniques). In addition, while certain aspects of this disclosure aredescribed as being performed by a single module or unit for purposes ofclarity, it should be understood that the techniques of this disclosuremay be performed by a combination of units or modules associated with,for example, a medical device.

While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussedabove, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications,additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended thatthe following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced beinterpreted to include all such modifications, additions andsub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a device input connector(DIC) having a first connector configuration; a tube end connector (CEC)having a second connector configuration different from the firstconnector configuration, wherein the second connector configurationcomprises a bulge having a first dimension; and an adapter comprising: afirst end comprising a first connector configured to mate with the firstconnector configuration; a second end comprising a second connectorconfigured to mate with the second connector configuration; and alocking/release mechanism configured to lock or release the CEC to orfrom the adapter, wherein the locking/release mechanism comprises afirst latch, a second latch, and a gap between the first and secondlatches, and wherein the gap comprises a second dimension that isgreater than the first dimension such that the bulge slidably fitsbetween the first and second latches.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinsaid locking/release mechanism is configured to prevent connectionand/or disconnection of said first connector to and/or from said DICfrom releasing said CEC from said adaptor.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein said adapter comprises a secondary cone formed within a void ofsaid adapter, said secondary cone configured to mate with a secondarycone formed within a void of said CEC, thereby forming an airtightpassageway throughout said adapter and said CEC.
 4. The system of claim1, wherein the adapter is non-reusable after activation of said releasemechanism.
 5. The system of claim 1, comprising at least one featurerendering it incompatible with a new CEC after a first use.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein outward displacement of said first and secondlatches releases said CEC from said adapter.
 7. The system of claim 6,wherein at least one of said first and second latches comprises anopening configured to receive said bulge, wherein lifting said at leastone latch frees said bulge from said opening, thereby enabling releaseof said CEC from said adapter.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein saidCEC second connector configuration includes first and second bulges,wherein said first and second latches each comprise openings configuredto receive one of said first and second bulges, wherein lifting saidfirst and second latches frees said first and second bulges from saidopenings, thereby enabling release of said CED from said adapter.
 9. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a feature visibly distinguishingsaid adapter from said CEC.
 10. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a tube interconnecting between said first end and said secondend of said adapter.